Short Film: Eyes on the Forest -Tracking the Return of Endangered Species at the Mai Ndombe REDD+ Project

Camera Trap Footage of Forest Elephants at the Mai Ndombe REDD+ Project

The Congo Basin is the second largest rainforest in the world, and serves as a last refuge for several endangered species. The density of this rainforest makes it difficult to track the status of these species, which raises the question: how can we protect these species if we don’t know who’s there?

Camera traps, with their infrared sensors to detect any moving animal, have revolutionized conservation efforts. These small, unobtrusive devices can capture invaluable footage of elusive animals and rare events that would have otherwise gone undocumented. With their minimally invasive nature, camera traps enable eco-guards to monitor for poaching activities while simultaneously providing researchers with data on the distribution, abundance, movements, and behaviors of threatened species. These “eyes on the forest” offer a unique window into the lives of endangered species, and have become an indispensable tool in our efforts to protect the biodiversity of the Mai Ndombe REDD+ project.

Mai Ndombe Biodiversity Team Installs a Camera Trap on a Tree

“When I see these images of the elephants and the bonobos, I am amazed. It shows me that there really is calm in the forest [...] and that they do not feel threatened.” - Sebastien Tsakala, Wildlife Works Biodiversity Team Lead at the Mai Ndombe REDD+ Project

Camera trap footage is key for demonstrating that #CarbonCreditsWork to protect our planet’s endangered biodiversity. At the Mai Ndombe REDD+ project in the DRC, critically endangered Forest Elephants have returned to an area that was once disturbed by a logging company. 

Eyes on the Forest, a short film by Wildlife Works, shares how Wildlife Works’ Biodiversity Team works tirelessly to monitor the wildlife of this forest.

Key themes covered in this film: 

• Importance of camera traps to track the presence or absence of wildlife species. 

• The logistics, complexities and dangers of traveling through to remote forest areas to conduct conservation monitoring activities.

• The success of the Mai Ndombe REDD+ Project in creating a safe haven for wildlife to return to.

This film is set to premiere on October 20th, 2024 at the San Francisco Green Films Festival! Learn more here.